Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad

This delicious dessert salad is a classic for a reason – people love it so much! It starts with creamy Cool Whip and pistachio instant pudding mix. Then, I add crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, maraschino cherries, and chopped walnuts. All these ingredients come together to create a cool, creamy dessert that’s loaded with interesting textures and tropical flavors that have everyone coming back for more. And because it’s so easy to make, you can whip up a giant batch of this sweet treat and still be in and out of the kitchen in no time. That gives you more time with family and friends, and less time slaving away in the kitchen. It couldn’t be better!

Why You’ll Love This Watergate Salad Recipe

• It’s a light and fluffy dessert recipe that everyone loves.
• It’s easy to make and only takes a few simple ingredients.
• And, it’s an easy, delicious no-bake dessert recipe that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, BBQs, or whenever an easy dessert is required.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. It only takes a little mixing, and you’re done. That being said, even recipes as easy as this one have their little tricks to make them amazing. I’m sharing those along with some tasty variations that I think you’ll enjoy.

Tips

• Thoroughly drain your pineapple to ensure your salad isn’t watery. I like to drain it in a colander rather than just pour the liquid out of the can.
• Use a very sharp knife when cutting the cherries so you get nice cherry halves rather than squished, mangled cherry bits.

Variations

• Try using chopped pecans, almonds, or pistachios in place of walnuts.
• Add shredded coconut.
• Hollow out a whole pineapple and serve your Watergate salad inside of it for something extra fancy.

What to Serve with Watergate Salad

This delicious dessert salad makes a great dessert with pretty much all of your potluck and holiday favorites. From turkey and ham to burgers and BBQ, this salad is an excellent addition to any gathering. There’s really no meal that isn’t perfect for this delicious salad.

FAQ

If you have questions about this recipe, read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about Watergate Salad.

Why is it called Watergate Salad?

When the recipe for what was originally called Pistachio Pineapple Delight was originally published, a Chicago food editor renamed it Watergate Salad to promote interest in the recipe when she mentioned it in her column.

What is Watergate Salad?

It’s a dessert salad made from pistachio pudding, canned pineapple, whipped topping, chopped pecans, and marshmallows. It’s also sometimes made with maraschino cherries.

Can you freeze pistachio salad?

Absolutely. It freezes very well and will last in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Can you make this salad ahead of time?

You sure can. It’s even better the next day, so whip it up the night before and chill it until you’re ready to serve it the following day.

How to Store Leftover Watergate Salad

Store your salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 6 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Watergate Salad Ingredients

This delicious dessert only uses a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

• Cool whip
• Instant pistachio pudding mix
• Crushed pineapple, drained
• Miniature marshmallows
• Maraschino cherries, cut in half
• Walnuts, chopped

How to Make Watergate Salad

Making this salad is just as easy as shopping for the ingredients. It only takes a few minutes to make! 

Step 1: Mix the Whipped Cream and Pudding

In a large bowl, add the Cool Whip and pistachio pudding mix and stir until combined. Add a drop of green food coloring if desired.

Step 2: Combine the Remaining Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Then, cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Top with whipped topping, additional nuts, and mini marshmallows if desired and serve!

Try This Delicious Watergate Salad Recipe Today

This easy, delicious green fluff salad recipe is a classic dessert that’s been a staple of potlucks and get-togethers for years and years. There’s a reason for that. It’s so good! The combination of Cool Whip, pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallow, and more creates a rich dessert that delivers a ton of flavor without a ton of work. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll find yourself just looking for reasons to make it!

More Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Enjoy.

Pink Dessert – This pink fluff dessert is loaded with cherries, pineapple, walnuts and marshmallows, and is a family favorite dessert recipe for the holidays. 

Berry Fruit Salad – This delicious berry salad is loaded with fresh raspberries, fresh blackberries and fresh blueberries with marshmallows, pecans and cool whip. 

And, here is a delicious Peach Pretzel Salad, from Deliciously Seasoned, that you might enjoy too!